Steve Bruce points out flaw in Joelinton's game

The striker has struggled since making a £40million move from Hoffenheim last summer.

Joelinton has scored one goal – and had 11 shots on target – in 2,040 minutes of Premier League football so far this season.

Steve Bruce praised Joelinton’s “unselfish work outside the box”, in yesterday’s 4-0 defeat to Arsenal, but admitted that the 22-year-old didn’t attack the box enough at the Emirates Stadium.

“We’d all like him to have 12 or 15 (goals),” said Bruce, United’s head coach. “I was pleased with his performance again. He does a lot of unselfish work outside the box, but we have to now find a way of getting him into the box for the crosses that Allan put in. He’s played a lot of his career to a side, and not played as an out-and-out No.9.

“He’s 22, and there’s a lot he has to learn. But the way he played again was good, although all strikers are obviously judged by scoring a goal.”

“We have to find a way of scoring more, and certainly with Joe, of being a bit more selfish. In my opinion, he has to probably stay between the 18-yard box a bit more. For the team, he’s a great team player, but your forward is always judged on how many goals he scores.”

Joelinton has also scored two FA Cup goals for Newcastle this season.